After getting a teeth cleaning from your dentist, one easy way to maintain your good oral health is by taking care of your toothbrush. This small bathroom tool requires regular attention, as you use it daily and its effectiveness can significantly impact the well-being of your mouth. There are a few specific actions that dentists recommend you take to keep your brush clean and your mouth fresh.

Tips for Keeping Your Toothbrush Clean

1. Brush Gently

If you brush your teeth too hard, you can damage the brush bristles and, more importantly, your teeth and gums. Use toothbrushes with soft bristles, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle, and move it in short strokes across all of your teeth. Spend around two or three minutes on this, and only use enough pressure to allow your teeth and gums to feel the bristles—your brush shouldn’t look squished or frayed when you’re done.

2. Rinse and Disinfect

After brushing, it’s important to rinse your toothbrush with warm or hot water. However, this isn’t always enough to get rid of harmful bacteria. To be more thorough, soak your toothbrush for no more than 15 minutes in a small cup of antibacterial mouthwash or warm water mixed with hydrogen peroxide. Toss out the solution when you’re done, rinse your brush, and let it dry before use.

3. Let It Breathe

When you store your toothbrush, make sure to expose it to the open air. If you keep it in an enclosed space, such as a plastic container or bathroom drawer, the moisture from the wet toothbrush won’t evaporate properly, leading to bacterial growth. Help your toothbrush drain water and dry off by placing it upright in a cup.

4. Leave It at Home

When traveling, it's easy to forget your toothbrush at home, accidentally leave it in your hotel, or skip your regular disinfecting routine. Bypass the stress by buying a small travel toothbrush for when you’re away from home. Like your regular toothbrush, don’t keep your travel one in an airtight container or plastic bag. Instead, keep it in a container with ventilation.

5. Replace It Regularly

Most dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every three or four months. By then, many brushes are so worn and frayed that they’re not effective at cleaning your mouth anymore. Also, bacteria and germs have probably settled and grown, even with your daily rinsing and disinfection routine. You can’t stop them all, so never keep the same toothbrush for long.

For advice about dental hygiene, make an appointment at Naas Family Dentistry. Located in Independence, KY, Dr. Naas can work with you to create an effective oral hygiene routine based on your needs and schedule. He can additionally help with dental procedures, whether it’s cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening or surgery for root canals. To learn more or check his availability, call (859) 363-9200 or message him online.